Element has achieved a significant milestone in additive manufacturing with the approval of its Antwerp laboratory by GKN Aerospace Sweden AB, the renowned aerospace technology leader. This achievement underscores the expertise and investment of Element’s Antwerp and Teesside laboratories in powder characterization, solidifying their position as industry leaders and expanding their additive manufacturing capabilities.
Element’s investments in the Antwerp and Teesside laboratories demonstrate its dedication to delivering a comprehensive suite of metallic testing services for additive manufacturing in accordance with ISO/ASTM 52907 standards. These laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced experts, bolstering their capacity to offer customers from various industries, including aerospace and medical devices, with an extensive array of techniques and services for powder characterization. These services encompass crucial aspects such as chemical composition, particle size distribution, morphology, contamination, flowability and characteristic densities.
Accurate determination of powder properties is essential for quality assurance as the quality of powder significantly impacts the printing process and the properties of the printed material. Element’s investments in these services enable the laboratory to ensure compliance and adherence to specification limits, guaranteeing the quality of the final parts produced.
With the growing industrial application of powder bed fusion and additive manufacturing, Element’s chemistry laboratories are witnessing an increasing percentage of work dedicated to this technology, transitioning from research and development to active production.
Matt Hopkinson, EVP of EMEAA at Element, said: “We are thrilled to receive approval from GKN Aerospace Sweden AB, a respected leader in the aerospace industry. This milestone highlights our commitment to advancing additive manufacturing and our dedication to providing exceptional testing services.
“As 3D printing and additive manufacturing continue to expand across industries, our Antwerp and Teesside laboratories are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the industry and contribute to the success of our customers.”
Both laboratories provide comprehensive testing throughout the entire life-cycle of products, covering pre-service, post-service, and manufacturing stages. Element Antwerp holds accreditation from BELAC (NEN-EN-ISO/IEC17025) as a testing laboratory, while Element Teesside serves as the European center of excellence for additive manufacturing. Their combined efforts cater to customers from diverse sectors such as energy, aerospace, transportation, and industrials. These services encompass mechanical testing, metallography, chemical analysis, specimen preparation, and heat treatment.